On August 17, 2012, an 11-year-old Christian girl named Rimsha Masih, who was reported to have Down’s Syndrome, was arrested and jailed under accusations of desecrating pages of the Holy Quran. This incident sparked widespread outrage and drew attention to the harsh application of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law, especially against vulnerable individuals like Rimsha. The case quickly became a significant and unprecedented legal battle in the country’s history.
A Landmark Victory for I-LAP
The Rimsha Masih case marked a major breakthrough in the fight against the misuse of the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan. For the first time, a case registered under this law was thoroughly investigated by the authorities, leading to the exoneration of a Non-Muslim girl accused of a blasphemous act. The charges against Rimsha were dropped, and the culprits who falsely accused her were brought to justice. This historic victory was made possible through the cooperation of representatives from various religions, and the strong role played by the media in highlighting the truth behind the accusations.
The successful resolution of the Rimsha case stands as a milestone in Pakistan’s legal and social history. It demonstrated the power of unity among religious communities and the importance of a fair and unbiased investigation. This victory was a significant achievement for I-LAP, as it underscored their commitment to justice and the protection of minority rights.
I-LAP’s Intervention
Chairman I-LAP, Sajid Sandhu, played a crucial role in advocating for Rimsha Masih. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he organized multiple consultative meetings with religious scholars from various faiths, including the Pakistan Ulema Council, to discuss the case and its implications. These efforts were aimed at fostering dialogue and building consensus on the need for justice and the protection of vulnerable individuals. Sajid also held press conferences to raise awareness and sensitize the print and electronic media about the false accusations made against Rimsha and the nefarious designs of the religious cleric responsible for her ordeal.
In addition to legal and advocacy efforts, I-LAP also provided vital support to the community affected by the incident. After the news of Rimsha’s alleged blasphemy spread, a Muslim mob ransacked the colony where she lived, setting houses on fire. Most of the residents, who were menial workers, were not home during the attack and were left homeless, spending the night under the open sky.
I-LAP responded swiftly by providing essential relief, including food packages, non-food items (NFIs), and other personal necessities. Understanding the need for long-term support, I-LAP also provided cash assistance to the affected families and helped them secure new accommodations by covering security deposits and initial rent payments. These efforts were critical in helping the displaced families rebuild their lives and find stability after the traumatic incident.
The Rimsha Masih case remains a powerful symbol of the fight against religious intolerance and the misuse of Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law. I-LAP’s involvement in the case not only helped bring justice to Rimsha but also highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to protect the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan. Through advocacy, legal action, and humanitarian support, I-LAP continues to work towards a more just and tolerant society.
Press Conference













Pictures with Media



Distribution of Food Packages











Distribution to the victim families in the community














UCCI Tribute Sept 2012


Press Releases



















